Is watermelon water the new coconut water?

Krissy Brady is a women’s health + lifestyle writer who’s so out of shape, it’s like she has the innards of an 80-year-old. Instead of learning how to crochet, she decided to turn her emotional baggage into a writing career (genius, no?)...

A perfect coconut-water alternative for the haters

When the coconut water craze hit, I was pumped to have a new beverage to hydrate with — you know, until I tasted it. Sure, coconut water has fewer calories, less sodium and oodles more potassium than most of the sports drinks we hoover during our workouts, but… well, for some of us it feels like drinking a puddle. A dirty puddle. If you’re like me and can’t get past the flavor of coconut water, there’s a new drink in town that not only tastes better, but is neck-and-neck in the nutrient department: I give you, watermelon water.

Watermelon water: The 411

WTRMLN WTR is an all-natural, cold-pressed juice made from raw watermelon and is packed with nutrition. It’s vegan and gluten free, super hydrating (91 percent water) and doesn’t taste like you’re drinking sweat. Plus, the company itself makes the beverage from 100 percent watermelon waste (the dented watermelons picked last in gym class), so not only are you boosting your health, but the environment’s too.

Watermelon water: Nutrition facts

The refreshing bevvy contains double the potassium of a banana, which is a vital mineral for your heart, kidneys and other organs to function properly. It’s loaded with citrulline, which reduces inflammation and accelerates muscle recovery. It also contains lycopene, which is a powerful antioxidant known for its anti-aging benefits, and is a delish source of vitamins A and C, B vitamins, calcium and magnesium (cha-ching!).

Watermelon water vs. coconut water

After studying the nutrition labels of WTRMLN WTR and “the other guys,” their nutritional values are virtually neck-and-neck. Where WTRMLN WTR soars, coconut water falls short, and vice versa.

This information is based on a serving of eight fluid ounces, and the percentages are based on a 2,000-calorie diet:

Calories Coconut water: 43, WTRMLN WTR: 60

Sodium Coconut water: 2 percent, WTRMLN WTR: 0 percent

Potassium Coconut water: 14 percent, WTRMLN WTR: 21 percent

Carbs Coconut water: 4 percent, WTRMLN WTR: 5 percent

Sugar Coconut water: 12 grams, WTRMLN WTR: 12 grams

Calcium Coconut water: 3 percent, WTRMLN WTR: 2 percent

Protein Coconut water: 0 percent, WTRMLN WTR: 2 percent

Magnesium Coconut water: 5 percent, WTRMLN WTR: 8 percent

Vitamin C Coconut water: 0 percent, WTRMLN WTR: 60 percent

Now, these numbers are only based on one company’s blend. Since there are oodles of coconut water varieties to choose from, it’s über-difficult to gauge which water is truly “better” for you — the numbers will come out differently every time. I’m positive more studies will be done in the future on the effectiveness of these drinks, especially with how popular plant-based waters have become.

The decision ultimately comes down to your personal tastes and which flavors you find to be most thirst quenching.

WTRMLN WTR post-workout recipes

If any of you anti-coco ladies would like to take WTRMLN WTR for a spin, here are a few delish post-workout recipes made especially for SheKnows readers, courtesy of WTRMLN WTR’s Director of Operations and Food Science, Andrey Ayrapetov:

Watermelon cucumber refresher

Serves 1

Ingredients:

1 bottle of WTRMLN WTR

1 lime wedge

3 mint leaves

4 cucumber slices

Garnish: sprig of mint and several slices of cucumber

Directions:

Muddle the lime, mint and cucumber together.

Mix with WTRMLN WTR.

Strain onto ice and garnish with mint and cucumbers.

Watermelon cleanser

Serves 1

Ingredients:

1 bottle of WTRMLN LMN

1/2 ounce ginger juice

Pinch of cayenne pepper

Optional: 1/2 teaspoon of maple syrup or raw honey

Directions:

Shake ingredients with ice until maple or honey has dissolved (if using).

Serve in a tall glass over ice.

Watermelon blueberry fizz

Serves 1

Ingredients:

1 bottle of WTRMLN WTR

2 ounces blueberries, frozen

3 mint leaves

1 lime wedge

Soda water to cover

Directions:

Muddle frozen blueberries, mint and lime lightly to break some blueberries and release some lime juice.